The Government of Ghana has moved to address the recent decision by the United States government to drastically revise its visa reciprocity schedule for several African countries, including Ghana.
The change, which took effect in July 2025, reduces the validity of the B1/B2 visa—used for business and tourism—for Ghanaian travellers from a 5-year multiple entry to a mere three-month single entry.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghanaian government acknowledged the legitimate frustrations and inconveniences that the change imposes on its citizens.
These include individuals who frequently travel to the United States for business, education, medical care, tourism, and family engagements.
“Ghana recognises the sovereign right of every country to determine its visa regime, but notes that the present limitations imposed by the United States vary substantially from the prior reciprocal arrangements that Ghana has kept with the United States”.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ministry assured that the government would study the new visa policy more closely and consider its options, emphasising its continued commitment to maintaining a strong diplomatic relationship with the United States.
“Government remains committed to working expeditiously with its longstanding partner, the US Government. We hope for an early resolution of the concerns that have led to the revision of the schedule, which have been confirmed to be overstays”.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ministry added that efforts are already underway to ensure that Ghanaian visa applicants adhere strictly to US visa requirements, including abiding by stay durations and application procedures.
Countering False Narrative
In an effort to counter what it described as “false narratives,” the Ministry disclosed official data on Ghana’s visa issuance to US nationals.
Between January and July 2025, Ghana’s diplomatic missions in Washington, D.C. and New York issued a total of 40,648 visas to US passport holders.
Of these, 28,626—or roughly 70.42%—were multiple entry visas, many with a validity of up to five years. These figures, the Ministry stressed, affirm Ghana’s commitment to maintaining a fair and reciprocal visa policy.
“Consistent with our bilateral arrangements, US passport holders are entitled to a maximum visa validity of five (5) years, and in most instances, five (5) year multiple entry visas are issued upon request. Some applicants, however, apply for single-entry visas owing largely to the limited validity of their passports”.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In addition to five-year visas, the Ministry disclosed that Ghana also offers multiple-entry visas valid for six months, one year, two years, three years, and four years, depending on the circumstances of each applicant.
This range of options, the government argues, underscores its flexible and welcoming visa policy towards US citizens and contradicts any assertion that Ghana has not been cooperative in visa reciprocity.
Diplomatic Efforts to Resolve Concerns
The release also offered a glimpse into recent diplomatic efforts to resolve the matter and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
It revealed that in view of the recent development, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, led a delegation of senior government officials to Washington, D.C. for high-level discussions with their American counterparts.
The talks, the ministry noted, yielded significant progress and set a clear path for continued engagement on various fronts of mutual interest.
“The Government of President John Dramani Mahama will continue to prioritise Ghana’s relations with the United States and is resolved to work on all areas of cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries”.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In its concluding remarks, the Ministry reiterated Ghana’s intention to approach the current visa issue diplomatically while continuing to champion stronger people-to-people ties between the two countries.
It expressed optimism that further dialogue would help both governments resolve the issue amicably and reinforce the spirit of cooperation that has historically defined Ghana-US relations.
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